Teen Rikako Ikee Cranks Out 25.25 50 Fly National Record

17-year-old Rikako Ikee continues to set herself apart from the competition in the sprint fly and free events, lowering her own 50m fly national record winnig gold in Tokyo tonight. Archive photo via Peter Sukenik/www.petersukenik.com

The 2018 Japan Open kicked off in Tokyo today with the meet representing the 2nd opportunity for national athletes to qualify for a spot on the Pan Pacific Championships roster. The big guns already went to work at the 2018 Japan Swim in April, with 22 names having already been announced on the initial Japanese line-up.Among those competing today in Tokyo was 17-year-old sprint queen Rikako Ikee, who announced her presence with a shiny new national record in the women’s 50m butterfly.

Having notched a less-than-a-month-old mark at April’s Japan Swim, Ikee’s best time entering tonight’s final was 25.43. However, Ikee cranked out a new 50m fly time of 25.25, signaling how the teen continues to chip away at her records each and every time she enters the water. She is also creeping up on world leader Sarah Sjostrom of Sweden, who holds the top time in the ranking with a 25.07 from January.

About Loretta Race

After 16 years at a Fortune 1000 financial company, long-time swimmer Retta Race decided to change lanes and pursue her sporting passion. She currently is Coach for the Northern KY Swordfish Masters, a team she started up in December 2013, while also offering private coaching. Retta is also an MBA …